60 Species of Genus Orbea

Orbea: My Fascination with the Starfish Flowers

The world of succulents is vast and captivating, filled with bizarre shapes and otherworldly beauty. But among the many genera that have captured my attention, Orbea holds a special place. These strange and wonderful plants, with their starfish-like flowers and intriguing aromas, have become a source of endless fascination for me, Ferb Vu.

A Unique Beauty

Orbea belong to the Apocynaceae family, a group known for its diverse array of flowering plants. Native to Africa, particularly South Africa, these stem succulents have adapted to arid environments, storing water in their thick, fleshy stems. But it’s their flowers that truly set them apart. Ranging in size from a few centimeters to over 10 centimeters in diameter, Orbea flowers are typically five-lobed and resemble starfish. Their colors are equally varied, with shades of yellow, brown, purple, and red often adorned with intricate patterns and textures.

What truly makes these flowers unique, however, is their scent. While some species boast a pleasant, honey-like aroma, others emit a pungent odor reminiscent of carrion. This unusual characteristic serves a crucial purpose: attracting flies and other insects that act as pollinators. The flies, drawn to the scent of decaying flesh, unwittingly carry pollen from one flower to another, ensuring the plant’s reproduction.

A Diverse Genus

The genus Orbea encompasses a wide variety of species, each with its own unique features and charm. Here are:

  1. Orbea variegata: Perhaps the most well-known species, Orbea variegata showcases yellow flowers with striking maroon markings. Its distinctive appearance has earned it the common name “starfish flower.”
  2. Orbea decaisneana: This species is characterized by its large, dark purple flowers that emit a strong, unpleasant odor. Despite its pungent aroma, Orbea decaisneana remains a popular choice among collectors due to its impressive blooms.
  3. Orbea lutea: As its name suggests, Orbea lutea produces vibrant yellow flowers with a sweet, honey-like fragrance. This species is a favorite among those seeking a more pleasantly scented Orbea.
  4. Orbea ciliata: This unique species features flowers covered in long, hair-like cilia, giving them a fuzzy appearance. The cilia, along with the flower’s dark purple color, contribute to its intriguing beauty.
  5. Orbea semota: This species stands out with its unusually shaped flowers, which feature elongated lobes and a deep, cup-like center. The flowers are typically yellow or brown with intricate patterns.
  6. Orbea abayensis (M.G.Gilbert) Bruyns
  7. Orbea albocastanea (Marloth) Bruyns
  8. Orbea araysiana (Lavranos & Bilaidi) Bruyns
  9. Orbea baldratii (A.C.White & B.Sloane) Bruyns
  10. Orbea carnosa (Stent) Bruyns
  11. Orbea caudata (N.E.Br.) Bruyns
  12. Orbea chrysostephana (Deflers) Bruyns
  13. Orbea circes (M.G.Gilbert) Bruyns
  14. Orbea conjuncta (A.C.White & B.Sloane) Bruyns
  15. Orbea cooperi (N.E.Br.) L.C.Leach
  16. Orbea cucullata (Plowes) Meve
  17. Orbea deflersiana (Lavranos) Bruyns
  18. Orbea denboefii (Lavranos) Bruyns
  19. Orbea distincta (E.A.Bruce) Bruyns
  20. Orbea dummeri (N.E.Br.) Bruyns
  21. Orbea fenestrata (Plowes) Meve
  22. Orbea gemugofana (M.G.Gilbert) Bruyns
  23. Orbea gerstneri (Letty) Bruyns
  24. Orbea gilbertii (Plowes) Bruyns
  25. Orbea halipedicola L.C.Leach
  26. Orbea hardyi (R.A.Dyer) Bruyns
  27. Orbea huernioides (P.R.O.Bally) Bruyns
  28. Orbea huillensis (Hiern) Bruyns
  29. Orbea knobelii (E.Phillips) Bruyns
  30. Orbea kulalensis (Plowes) J.M.H.Shaw & Idrees
  31. Orbea laikipiensis (M.G.Gilbert) Bruyns
  32. Orbea laticorona (M.G.Gilbert) Bruyns
  33. Orbea longidens (N.E.Br.) L.C.Leach
  34. Orbea lugardii (N.E.Br.) Bruyns
  35. Orbea luntii (N.E.Br.) Bruyns
  36. Orbea maculata (N.E.Br.) L.C.Leach
  37. Orbea mcloughlinii (I.Verd.) L.C.Leach
  38. Orbea melanantha (Schltr.) Bruyns
  39. Orbea miscella (N.E.Br.) Meve
  40. Orbea namaquensis (N.E.Br.) L.C.Leach
  41. Orbea nardii Raffaelli, Mosti & Tardelli
  42. Orbea paradoxa (I.Verd.) L.C.Leach
  43. Orbea parviloba (Bruyns) Meve
  44. Orbea pulchella (Masson) L.C.Leach
  45. Orbea rogersii (L.Bolus) Bruyns
  46. Orbea sacculata (N.E.Br.) Bruyns
  47. Orbea schweinfurthii (A.Berger) Bruyns
  48. Orbea semitubiflora (L.E.Newton) Bruyns
  49. Orbea sprengeri (E.Dammann & Sprenger) Bruyns
  50. Orbea subterranea (E.A.Bruce & P.R.O.Bally) Bruyns
  51. Orbea taitica Bruyns
  52. Orbea tapscottii (I.Verd.) L.C.Leach
  53. Orbea tubiformis (E.A.Bruce & P.R.O.Bally) Bruyns
  54. Orbea umbracula (M.D.Hend.) L.C.Leach
  55. Orbea valida (N.E.Br.) Bruyns
  56. Orbea verrucosa (Masson) L.C.Leach
  57. Orbea vibratilis (E.A.Bruce & P.R.O.Bally) Bruyns
  58. Orbea wilsonii (P.R.O.Bally) Bruyns
  59. Orbea wissmannii (O.Schwartz) Bruyns
  60. Orbea woodii (N.E.Br.) L.C.Leach

My Personal Connection

My interest in Orbea stems from a deep appreciation for their unique beauty and resilience. Their ability to thrive in harsh conditions, coupled with their extraordinary flowers, speaks to their remarkable adaptability and evolutionary success. I find myself drawn to their strange allure, captivated by their intricate patterns and unusual scents.

Cultivating Orbea has become a rewarding hobby for me. I enjoy the challenge of providing the right conditions for these fascinating plants to flourish. The anticipation of witnessing their unique blooms is always a highlight, even with the occasional pungent surprise.

Orbea, with their captivating flowers and intriguing aromas, have earned a special place in my heart. They serve as a constant reminder of the incredible diversity and resilience of the natural world, a world that continues to inspire and amaze me.

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